Autonomous vehicle having rotatable fifth wheel

ABSTRACT

A terminal tractor includes a fifth wheel coupling which is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the terminal tractor such that an opening in the fifth wheel coupling may be reoriented depending on the terminal tractor&#39;s direction of approach to a semi-trailer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/772,485, filed Nov. 28, 2018, the entire teachingsand disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to ground vehicles, and more particularly toterminal tractor vehicles used for towing semi-trailers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Terminal tractors are semi-tractor vehicles used for movingsemi-trailers about a cargo holding area, a warehouse facility,intermodal facility, or other similar locations. Such vehicles providean efficient means to rapidly move and reposition such semi-trailers forsubsequent operations. These vehicles typically have a small singleperson cab and operate using a low-power diesel or alternative fuelengine.

Advantageously, such vehicles typically include a fifth wheel couplingfor coupling to a kingpin of a semi-trailer. The fifth wheel couplingtypically includes an integrated lifting mechanism. This liftingmechanism allows the semi-trailer's landing gear to remain in theirlowered position during movement. Put differently, the fifth wheelcoupling can be lifted upwards to connect to the kingpin and to lift thesemi-trailer to such an extent that it no longer rests upon its landinggear. This creates a ground clearance that allows the terminal tractorto then tow the semi-trailer to a desired location.

Such terminal tractors, while a useful expedient for movingsemi-trailers as described above, are not without some drawbacks.Indeed, the fifth wheel coupling of such terminal tractors includes anopen ended slot into which the kingpin of the semi-trailer is received.This open ended slot defines a coupling point where the kingpin couplesto the fifth wheel coupling. Because the kingpin is in a fixed location,and because the orientation of the open ended slot is fixed relative tothe terminal tractor, the operator must carefully guide the terminaltractor to align the open ended slot with the kingpin, and then slowlyback up to situate the kingpin within the slot until the kingpin reachesthe coupling point.

The above mentioned alignment procedure unfortunately necessitates anappreciable amount of clearance in front of the semi-trailer to allowthe operator room to position the terminal tractor and then connect tothe semi-trailer. Because it is preferable to utilize as much space forstorage of semi-trailers, devoting empty space for terminal tractorclearance is undesirable.

Further, due to the typical front wheel steering of such terminaltractors, they have relatively large turn radiuses which affect theiroverall maneuverability. Additionally, the above mentioned liftingmechanisms involve multiple linkages to the fifth wheel coupling. Thisrelative complexity results in the fifth wheel coupling being situatedoff of the center point between the four wheels of the terminal tractor.This off centering only increases the clearance needed for the terminaltractor because the coupling point of the fifth wheel coupling definesthe pivot point about which the terminal tractor rotates when connectedto the semi-trailer.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a terminal tractor whichaddresses the above drawbacks to provide a vehicle with an enhancedturning radius and other enhanced operational characteristics. Theinvention provides such a terminal tractor. These and other advantagesof the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will beapparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a terminal tractor having amovable fifth wheel coupling which advantageously allows for anincreased degree of maneuverability. An embodiment of such a terminaltractor includes a chassis with a plurality of wheels mounted inrelation to the chassis such that the terminal tractor is in contact viathe plurality of wheels with a ground surface. The plurality of wheelsdefine a perimeter of an interior region of the terminal tractor. Thisembodiment also includes fifth wheel coupling situated within theinterior region and configured for coupling to a kingpin of asemi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling defines a first axis that isarranged perpendicular to a first longitudinal plane of the terminaltractor. The fifth wheel coupling is rotatable about the first axis in asecond longitudinal plane parallel to the first longitudinal plane.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, fifth wheel coupling mayinclude a lifting mechanism, said lifting mechanism configured totransition a coupling body of the fifth wheel coupling from a loweredposition to a raised position and from the raised position to thelowered position by moving the coupling body in a single verticaldirection.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the terminal tractor includesa rotation mechanism for rotating the fifth wheel coupling about thefirst axis. The rotation mechanism may include an electric motor.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the electric motor is one ofdirectly or indirectly coupled to a coupling body of the fifth wheelcoupling. The terminal tractor may also include a power source carriedby the chassis, said power source providing power to said electricmotor. The terminal tractor may also include a controller forcontrolling the operation of the rotation mechanism to control therotation of the fifth wheel coupling about the first axis. The powersource may be an electric power source.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the controller is operable tosend an output signal to said rotation mechanism based on an inputsignal from a detection system of the terminal tractor.

In another aspect, the invention provides a terminal tractor with arotatable fifth wheel coupling. An embodiment of such a terminal tractorincludes a chassis having a front end and a rear end, with a pluralityof wheels mounted in relation to the chassis such that the terminaltractor is in contact via the plurality of wheels with a ground surface.This embodiment also includes a fifth wheel coupling mounted to thechassis. The fifth wheel coupling includes a coupling body having anopen ended slot. The open ended slot configured to receive a kingpin ofa semi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling is rotatable relative to thechassis such that an opening of the open ended slot may be reorientedrelative to the rear end of the chassis.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the terminal tractor alsoincludes a rotation mechanism for reorienting the opening of the openended slot relative to the rear end of the chassis. The rotationmechanism may include an electric motor. The electric motor may be oneof directly or indirectly coupled to the coupling body of the fifthwheel coupling.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the terminal tractor alsoincludes a power source carried by the chassis, said power sourceproviding power to said electric motor.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the invention also includes acontroller for controlling the operation of the rotation mechanism. Thecontroller is operable to send an output signal to the rotationmechanism based on an input signal from a detection system of theterminal tractor.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a terminal tractor whichrequires a reduced amount of ground clearance to connect to asemi-trailer. An embodiment of a tractor trailer according to thisaspect includes a chassis defining a longitudinal axis with a pluralityof wheels mounted in relation to the chassis such that the terminaltractor is in contact via the plurality of wheels with a ground surface.This embodiment also includes a fifth wheel coupling mounted to thechassis that defines a linear connection direction for connection to akingpin of a semi-trailer. The chassis is rotatable relative to thefifth wheel coupling to arrange the longitudinal axis of the chassis ina non-parallel orientation relative to the connection direction.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the fifth wheel couplingincludes a coupling body having an open ended slot that is configured toreceive a kingpin of a semi-trailer. The open end slot also defines theconnection direction. The fifth wheel coupling is rotatable relative tothe chassis such that an opening of the open ended slot may bereoriented relative to a rear end of the chassis.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the fifth wheel couplingdefines a first axis arranged perpendicular to a first longitudinalplane of the terminal tractor. The fifth wheel coupling is rotatableabout the first axis in a second longitudinal plane parallel to thefirst longitudinal plane.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the terminal tractor alsoincludes a rotation mechanism for rotating the fifth wheel couplingabout the first axis to reorient the opening of the open ended slot.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a terminaltractor according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the terminal tractor of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a chassis and associatedcomponentry of the terminal tractor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the terminal tractor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another side view of the terminal tractor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view schematic illustration of the terminal tractor ofFIG. 1; and

FIGS. 8-9 are top views of the terminal tractor of FIG. 1 connecting toa semi-trailer.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an automated terminaltractor 20 which advantageously provides a highly mobile and modularplatform that presents enhanced turning and fifth wheel functionality.While shown with various cosmetic coverings and features, such coveringsand features are entirely optional. As may be surmised from inspectionof FIG. 1, terminal tractor 20 is a wheeled vehicle. As will beexplained in greater detail below, terminal tractor 20 utilizes utilizesa fifth wheel coupling which is fully rotatable relative to terminaltractor 20. These features, among others, provide distinct advantageousover prior designs which fixed fifth wheel couplings, i.e. fifth wheelcouplings that have an opening which always faces the rear of thevehicle.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, terminal tractor 20 includes achassis 22, a plurality of wheels in the form of a first pair of wheels24, and a second pair of wheels 26 as shown. As will explained below, adrive motor is associated with each one of the wheels 24, 26 toindependently provide a drive input to the same. A fifth wheel coupling28 is also mounted to chassis 22 and is used to connect to a kingpin ofsemi-trailer.

Terminal tractor 20 may also include a control head 30 which providesconnection points to at least one of an air brake line or an electricalconnection of a semi-trailer connected to terminal tractor 20. Controlhead 30 may be foldable in direction 34 from its stowed position shownin FIG. 2 to an upright position such that it has a generally verticalpresentation. Control head 30 may also be moved in direction 36 from theupright position to its stowed position. This folding functionality maybe achieved by any known mechanical expedient such as motors andoptionally associated linkages.

Control head 30 may also include communication devices such as antenna,transmitters, and receiving for communicating with any other devices.For non-limiting example, control head 30 may contain the componentrynecessary for receiving GPS signals, as well as the componentrynecessary for communicating with a network, e.g. a cellular or localarea network using any known means of communication over such a network.Control head 30 may also package some or all of the sensor devicesneeded for the autonomous or remote operation of terminal tractor 20,such as vision systems, anti-collision systems, sonar devices, etc.Still further, control head 30 may include solar power panels forcharging an onboard power source 48. It is also contemplated that all ofthe componentry of control head 30 may be housed elsewhere in terminaltractor 20 in those embodiments which do not include a control head.

A power source 48 may also be connected to chassis 22. This power sourcemay for example be an electric power source using batteries, nitrogen,hydrogen, fuel cells, or any combination thereof. Power source 48 ismodular in that it may be readily removed and replaced from terminaltractor 20 in much the same way a battery is removable and readilyreplaceable from a device. To that end, power source 48 may include oneor more sub-modules which mount to chassis at different locations 22.Further power source 48 may include provisions for connecting to acharging station to recharge it. It is also contemplated that terminaltractor 20 may draw power via induction using an electric road or railconfiguration.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the same shows terminal tractor 20 with itswheels 24, 26 and cosmetic coverings removed. Chassis 22 defines alongitudinal axis 32 and functions as a central frame and may be made ofa high strength steel or other allow to present a light yet rigid frame.Chassis 22 may include an internal cavity or region 38.

A controller 40 may be housed in this internal cavity 38. “Controller”as used herein is meant to include all of the firmware, software, andhardware needed to control and operate the terminal tractor 20,including but not limited to its autonomous or remote operability.Controller 40 is designed to communicate with all the sensors ofterminal tractor 20 necessary to effectuate its autonomous operation asinputs, and send control signals as outputs.

Controller 40 also incorporates all of the means necessary forcommunicating with users as well as other machines. As such, controller40 may include artificial intelligence programming to achieve such ends.As a non-limiting example, controller 40 may include programmingallowing it to receive a job or command list, such as a list of pickupand subsequent drop off locations for semi-trailers. Controller 40 isoperable to autonomously control terminal tractor 20 to execute thedetails of such a command list. In operating as such, controller 40 isoperable to interpret the information it receives from the varioussensory systems of terminal tractor 20. Controller 40 is designed to bemodular in that it may be readily removed from chassis 22 for updatesand maintenance.

A first axle 42 for carrying the first pair of wheels 24 (see FIG. 2) ismounted to chassis 22. “Wheel” or “wheels” as used herein includes asingle wheel, or a multiple wheel configuration. For example, the firstpair of wheels 24 is mounted to first axle 42 such that one wheel 24 isat one end of first axle 42, while the other wheel 24 is at the otherend of first axle 42. Each wheel at each end may encompass a singlewheel, or a multiple wheel (e.g. a dual wheel) configuration.

In an identical fashion, a second axle 44 is mounted to chassis 22 andis used to carry the second pair of wheels 26. Axles 42, 44 may beembodied for example as pendulum axles to ensure that a terminal tractor20 maintains good ground contact using all four wheels 24, 26, despiteuneven terrain.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, a plurality of drive motors 46 are alsoprovided. A drive motor 46 is respectively associated with each wheel24, 26 as shown. The drive motors draw power from power source 48 andare controlled by controller 40 to ultimately rotate their respectivewheel 24, 26 about its respective axle 42, 44. Drive motors 46 may beembodied by any rotary electric drive motor. Additionally, one or moreradiators or other similar cooling devices 54, 56 may be provided onchassis 22 to provide cooling to terminal tractor 20.

Turning now to FIG. 4, as mentioned above, terminal tractor 20 includesa fifth wheel coupling 28 for connecting to a kingpin of a semi-trailer.Fifth wheel coupling includes a lifting mechanism described below, aswell as a coupling body 60 which mates with the aforementioned kingpin.Coupling body 60 may also provide a mounting location for the abovediscussed control head 30. Alternatively, control head 30 may mount tochassis 22.

Lifting mechanism is operable to raise and lower coupling body in asingle vertical direction generally denoted by axis 50 shown in FIG. 4.By “single vertical direction” it is meant that the coupling body 60,and more particularly a coupling point 62 (see FIG. 5) moves linearly upand down with a single component directional vector. This is a departurefrom prior designs which typically move their coupling body in adirectional vector having multiple directional components.

Indeed, many existing designs move the coupling body along an arcuatepath. Such motion requires a more complex mechanism, and results in thecoupling point of the coupling body being offset from the center definedbetween the wheels of such existing terminal tractors. Due to thisoffset, such existing terminal tractors inherently have a larger turningradius when connected to a semi-trailer. In other words, more front endclearance is needed for the terminal tractor to turn as it pulls thesemi-trailer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting mechanism may achieve suchpurely vertical motion along axis 50 by way of a linear actuator actingdirectly underneath coupling body 60 to move the same vertically up anddown. Additionally, an additional mechanism may be employed to shiftcoupling body 60 along axis 52. Still further, coupling body 60 may berotatable about axis 50 to reposition the opening of coupling body forreceiving the kingpin, and also rotatable about an axis normal to theplane of axes 50, 52 to allow coupling body 60 to tilt.

Still referring to FIG. 4, wheels 24, 26 may incorporate any type oftire, the selection of which will depend largely upon operationalenvironment. As one non-limiting example, these tires may be non-airtires which provide enhanced durability and traction and are lower inmaintenance requirements than their air filled counterparts. A conedesign may also be employed which improves four wheel steeringcapabilities and allows for excellent turning angles.

Turning now to the exploded view illustrated in FIG. 5, liftingmechanism 64 is generally illustrated as a linear cylinder liftingmechanism, e.g. a linear actuator. This may be an electric, hydraulic,or pneumatic actuator. In the case of hydraulics or pneumatics, terminaltractor 20 will also include a hydraulic or pneumatic system. Asmentioned above, this lifting mechanism 64 acts directly on couplingbody 60 to linearly move coupling point 62 in a single verticaldirection.

Terminal tractor 20 also includes a plurality of steering devices 66,two of which are shown exploded relative to their associated wheels 24,26 and associated axles 42, 44. Indeed, each wheel 24, 26, includes itsown local steering device 66 in the same manner as each wheel includesits own drive motor 46. These steering devices may for example be servomotors operable to turn its respectively associated wheel 24, 26relative to that wheel's 24, 26 associated axle. The steering devices 66receive steering input commands from controller 40 and are independentlymovable relative to one another. As such, it is possible for each wheel24, 26 to have a different orientation thus opening a variety ofsteering capabilities.

Still referring to FIG. 5, terminal tractor 20 also includes a rotationmechanism 70 which may be directly or indirectly coupled to couplingbody 62 to rotate the same about axis 50 (see FIG. 4). This rotationmechanism 70 may for example be an electric motor such as a servo motor.Rotation mechanism may also be embodied by any other mechanicalexpedient sufficient to cause a rotation about an axis. Rotationmechanism may receive power from power source 48, and be controlled bycontroller 40. To that end, additional sensors may be employed to detectthe rotational position of rotation mechanism 70 (and hence couplingbody 62) relative to the remainder of terminal tractor 20. Any sensorsufficient to detect the rotational position of an object may beutilized to achieve this end.

Rotation mechanism 70 may be packaged with lifting mechanism 60 asillustrated or it may be a separate component. In either case, rotationmechanism 70 is connect directly to coupling body 62 or indirectlythrough any intermediate structure, e.g. linkages, gearing, etc., torotate the same about axis 50. This allows terminal tractor 20 toreorient fifth wheel coupling relative to terminal tractor 20 so thatterminal tractor 20 need not reposition itself entirely to engage akingpin.

Turning now to FIG. 6, axis 50 extends normal to plane P₁. Plane P₁extends into the viewing plane in FIG. 6, and may be considered to be alongitudinal plane within which the centers of wheels 24, 26 reside.Fifth wheel coupling 28 is rotatable about axis 50 in directions 72, 76in a second longitudinal plane P₂ which extends through coupling body 62(see FIG. 5) and is parallel to plane P₁.

FIG. 7 elaborates upon the aforementioned rotational functionality offifth wheel coupling 28 in greater detail. FIG. 7 presents a simplifiedschematic illustration of terminal tractor 20. As can be seen in thisview, coupling body 62 includes an open ended slot 78 that also definesa coupling point 80. A kingpin coupled to fifth wheel coupling 28 atcoupling point 80. Open ended slot 78 includes an opening 82 so that akingpin may enter coupling body 62 and seat at coupling point 80. Thisopening thus faces and defines a connection direction 90 in which akingpin must move in order to seat at coupling point 80.

Rotation mechanism 70 (see FIG. 5) is operable to rotate coupling body62 at any arbitrary angle Θ so that connection direction 90 (see alsoreference axis 88) is reoriented relative to longitudinal axis 32 ofchassis 22. Although described in the context of terminal tractor 20which employs four wheel steering and autonomous capabilities, theinvention herein of an independently rotatable fifth wheel coupling isnot limited to such a particularized vehicle. Indeed, it is contemplatedby the teachings herein that the invention of an independently rotatablefifth wheel coupling may be integrated into any vehicle design whichemploys a fifth wheel coupling.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the above functionality provides a distinctadvantage over prior designs in that it greatly reduces the envelope ofspace needed for terminal tractor 20 to position itself relative to asemi-trailer. For example, in FIG. 8, terminal tractor 20 has justpositioned semi-trailer 120 as shown, and has now begun to travel indirection 96 toward trailer 121. In prior designs having fixed fifthwheel coupling, such designs would need to perform a three point turn inorder to back up to and connect to trailer 121. This is not the casewith terminal tractor 20.

Indeed, fifth wheel coupling 28 may simply rotate independently relativeto terminal tractor 20 in direction 76. Turning now to FIG. 9, terminaltractor 20 may then simply approach semi-trailer 121 by continuing toproceed along path 96 shown in FIG. 8 to ultimately connection to thissemi-trailer. A complicated turn-around maneuver is not required, due tothe independently rotatable fifth wheel coupling as shown. As a result,less clearance space is required for terminal tractor 20 to operate.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A terminal tractor, comprising: a chassis; aplurality of wheels mounted in relation to the chassis such that theterminal tractor is in contact via the plurality of wheels with a groundsurface, the plurality of wheels defining a perimeter of an interiorregion of the terminal tractor; a fifth wheel coupling situated withinthe interior region and configured for coupling to a kingpin of asemi-trailer; wherein the fifth wheel coupling defines a first axisarranged perpendicular to a first longitudinal plane of the terminaltractor; wherein the fifth wheel coupling is rotatable about the firstaxis in a second longitudinal plane parallel to the first longitudinalplane.
 2. The terminal tractor of claim 1, wherein the fifth wheelcoupling includes a lifting mechanism, said lifting mechanism configuredto transition a coupling body of the fifth wheel coupling from a loweredposition to a raised position and from the raised position to thelowered position by moving the coupling body in a single verticaldirection.
 3. The terminal tractor of claim 1, further comprising arotation mechanism for rotating the fifth wheel coupling about the firstaxis.
 4. The terminal tractor of claim 3, wherein the rotation mechanismcomprises an electric motor.
 5. The terminal tractor of claim 4, whereinthe electric motor is one of directly or indirectly coupled to acoupling body of the fifth wheel coupling.
 6. The terminal tractor ofclaim 4, further comprising a power source carried by the chassis, saidpower source providing power to said electric motor.
 7. The terminaltractor of claim 3, further comprising a controller, said controllercontrolling the operation of the rotation mechanism to control therotation of the fifth wheel coupling about the first axis.
 8. Theterminal tractor of claim 7, wherein said controller sends an outputsignal to said rotation mechanism based on an input signal from adetection system of the terminal tractor.
 9. The terminal tractor ofclaim 6, wherein the power source is an electric power source.
 10. Aterminal tractor, comprising: a chassis having a front end and a rearend; a plurality of wheels mounted in relation to the chassis such thatthe terminal tractor is in contact via the plurality of wheels with aground surface; a fifth wheel coupling mounted to the chassis; whereinthe fifth wheel coupling includes a coupling body having an open endedslot, said open ended slot configured to receive a kingpin of asemi-trailer; wherein the fifth wheel coupling is rotatable relative tothe chassis such that an opening of the open ended slot may bereoriented relative to the rear end of the chassis.
 11. The terminaltractor of claim 10, further comprising a rotation mechanism forreorienting the opening of the open ended slot relative to the rear endof the chassis.
 12. The terminal tractor of claim 11, wherein therotation mechanism comprises an electric motor.
 13. The terminal tractorof claim 12, wherein the electric motor is one of directly or indirectlycoupled to the coupling body of the fifth wheel coupling.
 14. Theterminal tractor of claim 13, further comprising a power source carriedby the chassis, said power source providing power to said electricmotor.
 15. The terminal tractor of claim 11, further comprising acontroller, said controller controlling the operation of the rotationmechanism.
 16. The terminal tractor of claim 15, wherein said controllersends an output signal to said rotation mechanism based on an inputsignal from a detection system of the terminal tractor.
 17. A terminaltractor, comprising: a chassis defining a longitudinal axis; a pluralityof wheels mounted in relation to the chassis such that the terminaltractor is in contact via the plurality of wheels with a ground surface;a fifth wheel coupling mounted to the chassis and defining a linearconnection direction for connection to a kingpin of a semi-trailer; andwherein the chassis is rotatable relative to the fifth wheel coupling toarrange the longitudinal axis of the chassis in a non-parallelorientation relative to the connection direction.
 18. The terminaltractor of claim 17, wherein the fifth wheel coupling includes acoupling body having an open ended slot, said open ended slot configuredto receive a kingpin of a semi-trailer and defining the connectiondirection, wherein the fifth wheel coupling is rotatable relative to thechassis such that an opening of the open ended slot may be reorientedrelative to a rear end of the chassis.
 19. The terminal tractor of claim18, wherein the fifth wheel coupling defines a first axis arrangedperpendicular to a first longitudinal plane of the terminal tractor, andwherein the fifth wheel coupling is rotatable about the first axis in asecond longitudinal plane parallel to the first longitudinal plane. 20.The terminal tractor of claim 19, further comprising a rotationmechanism for rotating the fifth wheel coupling about the first axis toreorient the opening of the open ended slot.